Support wall frame system and associated use thereof

ABSTRACT

A support wall frame system includes at least one end track, and a frame member received within the at least one end track. Such a frame member has a centrally registered longitudinal axis and includes at least one rib extended parallel to the centrally registered longitudinal axis. Advantageously, the at least one rib is statically affixed to the at least one end track. The at least one track includes at least one detent spaced from each shoulder of the track to allow bending the at least one track from a single and unitary sheet of metal. The at least one rib is interfitted within the at least one track.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This is a continuation-in-part application of currently pending U.S.patent application Ser. No. 15/942,458, filed Mar. 31, 2018, the entiredisclosure of which is incorporated by reference herein.

STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT

Not Applicable.

REFERENCE TO A MICROFICHE APPENDIX

Not Applicable.

BACKGROUND Technical Field

Exemplary embodiment(s) of the present disclosure relate to stick-builtconstruction frame systems and, more particularly, to a support wallframe system including at least one end track and a frame memberconnected thereto, wherein the frame member has a series of ribs andstiffeners to increase its shear strength so that the frame memberresists twisting thereby preventing racking of the support wall.

Prior Art

Stick frame construction or simply stick construction is used for alarge portion of the frame of a building, is used in a large percentageof smaller scale building construction projects. Stick constructionutilizes studs, lightweight materials, typically either wood or metal,to construct the frame, including walls, floor joists and roof trussesof the building under construction, wood studs being typical inresidential construction and metal studs being typical in commercialconstruction. Stick frame construction produces a building frame thathas a relatively high strength to weight ratio.

While a strong frame can be produced using standard stick frameconstruction, there is room for improvement. One issue building designengineers grapple with is trying to increase the shear strength of theframe built, especially, the vertical or wall components of the frame. Astick frame constructed building is subject to in plane lateral forces,caused by wind and earthquakes. If such in plane force is sufficientlystrong, the building can be subject to racking, wherein the walls of thebuilding come out of square. Racking causes damage to carious componentsof the building, including the walls, both interior and exterior,cabinets, doors and windows, flooring, especially upper story flooring,and in extreme cases, structural failure.

In wood stick frame construction, engineers focus on the strength of thewood used to produce the stud as well as bracing the frame and the wallsvia sheathing and other methods, in order to increase the shear strengthof the structure built in order to thereby reduce the potential forracking. In addition to these considerations, in metal stickconstruction, engineers also focus on the geometry of the frame,particularly the stud, to increase the overall shear strength of thestud and thereby increase overall shear strength of the frame produced.

Accordingly, a need remains for a frame system in order to overcome atleast one aforementioned shortcoming. The exemplary embodiment(s)satisfy such a need by providing a support wall frame system including aframe member having a series of ribs and stiffeners and at least one endtrack connected to the frame member, that is convenient and easy to use,lightweight yet durable in design, versatile in its applications, anddesigned for increasing the frame members shear strength so that theframe member resists twisting and prevents racking of the support wall.The present disclosure provides non-obvious improvements to the subjectmatter disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,315,804 and U.S. Published PatentApplication Nos. US20040074200A1, US20050166524A1, and US20060144009A1,which were filed by the applicant of the present application.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF NON-LIMITING EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENT(S) OF THE PRESENTDISCLOSURE

In view of the foregoing background, it is therefore an object of thenon-limiting exemplary embodiment(s) to provide a metal stud to be usedin stick frame construction wherein the geometry of the stud, as well asthe receiving portion of the end track that receives the stud, aredesigned to increase the shear strength of the stud and thus the overallsupport wall produced, for a given material used to produce the stud.These and other objects, features, and advantages of the non-limitingexemplary embodiment(s) are provided by a support wall frame system forproviding increased shear strength thereby preventing twisting andracking of a support wall. Such a support wall frame systemadvantageously includes a metal frame member that is of relativelysimple design and construction, being produced using standardmanufacturing techniques, so that the metal frame stud is economicallyattractive to potential consumers for this type of product. Use of themetal frame member is relatively straightforward requiring only thestandard skills application to metal stick frame. Special tools toproduce the frame using the metal frame member of the present inventionare not required.

In a non-limiting exemplary embodiment, the support wall frame systemincludes at least one end track, and a frame member received within theat least one end track. Such a frame member has a centrally registeredlongitudinal axis and includes at least one rib extended parallel to thecentrally registered longitudinal axis. Advantageously, the at least onerib is statically affixed to the at least one end track. Such astructural configuration provides the new, useful, and unexpected resultof increasing the shear strength so that the frame member resiststwisting thereby preventing racking of the support wall located betweenthe end tracks.

In a non-limiting exemplary embodiment, the frame member has a singleand unitary metal body.

In a non-limiting exemplary embodiment, the metal frame member includesan elongate stud that has a stud base with a first stud side wallextending upwardly from a first end of the stud base and a second studside wall extending upwardly from an opposing second end of the base.The first stud side wall and the second stud side wall are coextensiveand parallel with each other and each is oriented in perpendicularfashion with respect to the stud base. At least one inwardly directedfirst rib is located along an entire first length of the first stud sidewall while at least one inwardly directed second rib is located along anentire second length of the second stud side wall. An end of the stud isreceived within an end track.

In a non-limiting exemplary embodiment, the at least one end trackincludes a bottom end track and a top end track, each including a trackbase that has a first track side wall extending upwardly from a firstlongitudinal edge of the track base and a second track side wallextending upwardly from a second longitudinal edge of the track base.The first track side wall has an inwardly directed first detent and thesecond track side wall has a second inwardly directed detent. The studis disposed between the first track side wall and the second track sidewall such that the first detent is received within the first rib and thesecond detent is received within the second rib. A first return legextends inwardly from a first distal end of the first stud side wallwhile a second return leg extends inwardly from a second distal end ofthe second stud side wall. The first return leg and the second returnleg are substantially similar in length to one another, are eachoriented in perpendicular fashion with respect to the first stud sidewall and the second stud side wall and are each oriented in parallelfashion with respect to the stud base.

In a non-limiting exemplary embodiment, a first flange extendsdownwardly from a third distal end of the first return leg while asecond flange extends downwardly from a fourth distal end of the secondreturn leg. The first flange and the second flange are substantiallysimilar in length to one another, are each oriented in perpendicularfashion with respect to the first return leg and the second return legand are each oriented in parallel fashion with respect to the first studside wall and the second stud side wall. At least one inwardly directedstiffener is located along a third length of the base.

In a non-limiting exemplary embodiment, the stiffener is generallyV-shaped. The first rib and the second rib are each generally U-shaped.The stud base, the first stud side wall, and the second stud side wallare each integral with one another, being formed from a single andcontinuous sheet or section of material. At least one first fastenerpasses through the first detent and the first rib while a secondfastener passes through the second detent and the second rib. The studhas a width with a first dimension and the end track has an insidediameter with a second dimension that is substantially similar to thefirst dimension.

There has thus been outlined, rather broadly, the more importantfeatures of non-limiting exemplary embodiment(s) of the presentdisclosure so that the following detailed description may be betterunderstood, and that the present contribution to the relevant art(s) maybe better appreciated. There are additional features of the non-limitingexemplary embodiment(s) of the present disclosure that will be describedhereinafter and which will form the subject matter of the claimsappended hereto.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE NON-LIMITING EXEMPLARY DRAWINGS

The novel features believed to be characteristic of non-limitingexemplary embodiment(s) of the present disclosure are set forth withparticularity in the appended claims. The non-limiting exemplaryembodiment(s) of the present disclosure itself, however, both as to itsorganization and method of operation, together with further objects andadvantages thereof, may best be understood by reference to the followingdescription taken in connection with the accompanying drawings in which:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a frame member of a support wall framesystem, in accordance with a non-limiting exemplary embodiment of thepresent disclosure;

FIG. 2 is a top plan view of the frame member shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a frame member of a support wall framesystem, in accordance with another non-limiting exemplary embodiment ofthe present disclosure;

FIG. 4 is a top plan view of the frame member shown in FIG. 3;

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a frame member of a support wall framesystem, in accordance with yet another non-limiting exemplary embodimentof the present disclosure;

FIG. 6 is a top plan view of the frame member shown in FIG. 5;

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a frame member of a support wall framesystem, in accordance with yet another non-limiting exemplary embodimentof the present disclosure;

FIG. 8 is a top plan view of the frame member shown in FIG. 7;

FIG. 9 is a perspective view of at least one end track wherein thedetents are juxtaposed from conjoining shoulders (junctures) of thetrack's side walls, in accordance with a non-limiting exemplaryembodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 10 is a bottom plan view of the at least one track shown in FIG. 9;

FIG. 11 is a side elevational view of the at least one track shown inFIG. 11;

FIG. 12 is a perspective view of at least one end track wherein thedetents are juxtaposed from conjoining shoulders (junctures) of thetrack's side walls, in accordance with another non-limiting exemplaryembodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 13 is a bottom plan view of the at least one track shown in FIG. 9;

FIG. 14 is a side elevational view of the at least one track shown inFIG. 11;

FIG. 15 is a perspective view showing a frame member seated at anassociated track wherein the ribs are interfitted flush with thedetents, in accordance with a non-limiting exemplary embodiment of thepresent disclosure;

FIG. 16 is a perspective view showing a frame member seated at anassociated track wherein the ribs are interfitted flush with thedetents, in accordance with another non-limiting exemplary embodiment ofthe present disclosure;

FIG. 17 is a perspective view showing a frame member seated at anassociated track wherein the ribs are interfitted flush with thedetents, in accordance with yet another non-limiting exemplaryembodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 18 is a perspective view showing a frame member seated at anassociated track wherein the ribs are interfitted flush with thedetents, in accordance with yet another non-limiting exemplaryembodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 19 is a perspective view showing a pair of frame membersintercalated between a plurality of associated tracks;

FIG. 20 is a perspective view showing a pair of frame membersintercalated between a plurality of associated tracks in an exemplaryenvironment for reinforcing a support wall of a building structure; and

FIG. 20A is an enlarged view of section 20A taken in FIG. 20.

Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the figures are notintended to be drawn to any particular scale; nor are the figuresintended to illustrate every non-limiting exemplary embodiment(s) of thepresent disclosure. The present disclosure is not limited to anyparticular non-limiting exemplary embodiment(s) depicted in the figuresnor the shapes, relative sizes or proportions shown in the figures.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF NON-LIMITING EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENT(S) OF THEPRESENT DISCLOSURE

The present disclosure will now be described more fully hereinafter withreference to the accompanying drawings, in which non-limiting exemplaryembodiment(s) of the present disclosure is shown. The present disclosuremay, however, be embodied in many different forms and should not beconstrued as limited to the non-limiting exemplary embodiment(s) setforth herein. Rather, such non-limiting exemplary embodiment(s) areprovided so that this application will be thorough and complete, andwill fully convey the true spirit and scope of the present disclosure tothose skilled in the relevant art(s). Like numbers refer to likeelements throughout the figures.

The illustrations of the non-limiting exemplary embodiment(s) describedherein are intended to provide a general understanding of the structureof the present disclosure. The illustrations are not intended to serveas a complete description of all of the elements and features of thestructures, systems and/or methods described herein. Other non-limitingexemplary embodiment(s) may be apparent to those of ordinary skill inthe relevant art(s) upon reviewing the disclosure. Other non-limitingexemplary embodiment(s) may be utilized and derived from the disclosuresuch that structural, logical substitutions and changes may be madewithout departing from the true spirit and scope of the presentdisclosure. Additionally, the illustrations are merely representationalare to be regarded as illustrative rather than restrictive.

One or more embodiment(s) of the disclosure may be referred to herein,individually and/or collectively, by the term “non-limiting exemplaryembodiment(s)” merely for convenience and without intending tovoluntarily limit the true spirit and scope of this application to anyparticular non-limiting exemplary embodiment(s) or inventive concept.Moreover, although specific embodiment(s) have been illustrated anddescribed herein, it should be appreciated that any subsequentarrangement designed to achieve the same or similar purpose may besubstituted for the specific embodiment(s) shown. This disclosure isintended to cover any and all subsequent adaptations or variations ofother embodiment(s). Combinations of the above embodiment(s), and otherembodiment(s) not specifically described herein, will be apparent tothose of skill in the relevant art(s) upon reviewing the description.

References in the specification to “one embodiment(s)”, “anembodiment(s)”, “a preferred embodiment(s)”, “an alternativeembodiment(s)” and similar phrases mean that a particular feature,structure, or characteristic described in connection with theembodiment(s) is included in at least an embodiment(s) of thenon-limiting exemplary embodiment(s). The appearances of the phrase“non-limiting exemplary embodiment” in various places in thespecification are not necessarily all meant to refer to the sameembodiment(s).

Directional and/or relationary terms such as, but not limited to, left,right, nadir, apex, top, bottom, vertical, horizontal, back, front andlateral are relative to each other and are dependent on the specificorientation of an applicable element or article, and are usedaccordingly to aid in the description of the various embodiment(s) andare not necessarily intended to be construed as limiting.

If used herein, “about” means approximately or nearly and in the contextof a numerical value or range set forth means±15% of the numerical.

If used herein, “substantially” means largely if not wholly that whichis specified but so close that the difference is insignificant.

The non-limiting exemplary embodiment(s) is/are referred to generally inFIGS. 1-20A and is/are intended to provide a support wall frame system10 for providing increased shear strength thereby preventing twistingand racking of a support wall constructed with system 10. The supportwall frame system 10 includes at least one end track 34, 34 a and aframe member 11 received within the at least one end track 34, 34 a.Such a frame member 11 has a centrally registered longitudinal axis 68and includes at least one rib 30, 32 extended parallel to the centrallyregistered longitudinal axis 68. Advantageously, the at least one rib30, 32 is statically affixed to the at least one end track 34, 34 a.Such a structural configuration provides the new, useful, and unexpectedresult of increasing the shear strength so that the frame member 11resists twisting thereby preventing racking of the support wall 60located between the end tracks 34, 34 a.

In a non-limiting exemplary embodiment, the at least one rib 30, 32includes an inwardly directed first rib 30 located along an entire firstlength 65 of the first stud side wall 16. An inwardly directed secondrib 32 is located along an entire second length 66 of the second studside wall 18. A stud base 14 is intercalated between the first stud sidewall 16 and the second stud side wall 18, wherein opposed ends of studbase 14 are directly connected to the first stud side wall 16 and thesecond stud side wall 18. Advantageously, stud base 14 is adapted to bereceived within the at least one end track 34, 34 a such that alatitudinal width 69 of stud 12 is disposed between the first track sidewall 38 and the second track side wall 40 and such that the first detent42 is received within the first rib 30 and the second detent 44 isreceived within the second rib 32. Such a structural configurationprovides the new, useful, and unexpected result of increasing the shearstrength so that the frame member 11 resists twisting thereby preventingracking of the support wall 60 located between the end tracks 34, 34 a.

In a non-limiting exemplary embodiment, the at least one end track 34,34 a has a centrally registered longitudinal axis 67 and includes abottom end track 34 and a top end track 34 a, each including a trackbase 36 having a first track side wall 38 extending upwardly from afirst longitudinal edge 36 a of the track base 36 and a second trackside wall 40 extending upwardly from a second longitudinal edge 36 b ofthe track base 36. Notably, the first track side wall 38 has an inwardlydirected first detent 42 and the second track side wall 40 has aninwardly directed second detent 44. Advantageously, each of the firstdetent 42 and the second detent 44 is extended along an associated majorlongitudinal height 71 of the first track side wall 38 and the secondtrack side wall 40, respectively.

In a non-limiting exemplary embodiment, the at least one end track 34,34 a further includes an inwardly directed third detent 46 extendedalong a major latitudinal width 69 of the track base 36. Advantageously,the inwardly directed third detent 46 is registered orthogonal to theinwardly directed first detent 42 and the inwardly directed seconddetent 44.

In a non-limiting exemplary embodiment, the frame member 11 furtherincludes at least one inwardly directly stiffener 28 juxtaposed along alongitudinal length of the stud base 14. In this manner, the axiallyopposed ends of at least one inwardly directed stiffener 28 is directlyabutted against the at least one end track 34, 34 a. It is noted thatthe stiffeners 28 are not mandatory. Moreover, the broken edges 90 atstiffeners 28 are intended to mean that the frame member 11longitudinally extends beyond the portion shown in the FIGS. 1-18. SeeFIGS. 19-20 for an illustration of how long the frame members 11longitudinally extend relative to the end tracks 34, 34 a.

In a non-limiting exemplary embodiment, a support wall frame system 10for providing increased shear strength thereby preventing twisting andracking of a support wall 60 is disclosed. Such a support wall framesystem 10 includes at least one end track 34, 34 a having a firstcentrally registered longitudinal axis 67 and a plurality of planar sidewalls 36, 38, 40 contiguously configured to have a substantiallyU-shaped cross-section. The at least one end track 34, 34 a includes atleast one linear detent 42, 44, 46 extended along a major height/width(distances 71, 69) of the at least one of the planar side walls 36, 38,40. Notably, a frame member 11 is received within the at least one endtrack 34, 34 a, and is intercalated therebetween. Such a frame member 11includes a stud 12 and has a second centrally registered longitudinalaxis 68. The frame member 11 (stud 12) includes at least one rib 30, 32extended parallel to the entire second centrally registered longitudinalaxis 68. Advantageously, the at least one rib 30, 32 is staticallyinterfitted with the at least one detent 42, 44, 46 and extended alongthe associated major height/width (distances 71, 69) of the at least oneof the planar side walls 36, 38, 40. Such a structural configurationprovides the new, useful, and unexpected result of increasing the shearstrength so that the frame member 11 resists twisting thereby preventingracking of the support wall 60 located between the end tracks 34, 34 a.

In a non-limiting exemplary embodiment, the at least one end track 34,34 a includes a track base 36, a first longitudinal wall 38, and asecond longitudinal wall 40 extending vertically upward from the trackbase 36. Each of the first longitudinal wall 38 and the secondlongitudinal wall 40 has a top edge 87 and a bottom edge 88 opposedtherefrom. A shoulder is formed at a bend of track base 36 andlongitudinal walls 38, 40. Advantageously, the at least one detent 42,44, 46 is contiguously positioned (engaged) with the top edge 87 andspaced from the bottom edge 88. (Please note these edges 87, 88 areinverted depending on the orientation of track 34, 34 a). Such astructural configuration provides the new, useful, and unexpected resultof increasing the shear strength so that the frame member 11 resiststwisting thereby preventing racking of the support wall 60 locatedbetween the end tracks 34, 34 a. It also permits the track 34, 34 a tobe bent into a substantially U-shaped cross-section from a single andunitary sheet of metal, which significantly reduces manufacturing costs,time, and labor. Notably a gap remains between axially opposed ends ofthe detents 42, 44, 46 and the shoulders of the tracks 34, 34 a so thatthe requisite tool can quickly form the detents in a cost-effectivemanner during a manufacturing process.

Referring to FIGS. 1-20A in general, in a non-limiting exemplaryembodiment, the at least one end track 34 can be matched with the ribs30, 32 for providing a predetermined layout configuration so the userknows which frame member 11 should be attached to each section of the atleast one end track 34. This will simplify the framing installationprocess. Use of the ribs 30, 32 increases the axial load capacity. Suchribs 30, 32 are specially designed to accommodate fasteners to fit flushmetal to metal without undesirable separation.

In a non-limiting exemplary embodiment, the frame member 11 may alsohave the fold down knockout for bracing while permitting electrical andplumbing components to pass therethrough. As perhaps best shown in FIGS.10 and 15-15A, a bottom end track 34 and top end track 34 a preferablyhave matching detents 42, 44 to interlock the stud 12 at ribs 30, 32. Byhaving a plurality of ribs 30, 32 seated at opposed top and bottom endsof stud 12, the stud 12 is prohibited from undesirably rotating ortwisting once fastened in place to end tracks 34, 34 a. Such astructural configuration provides two or more connections at the top andbottom ends of stud 12, thereby adding to pull out and shear resistanceforces. The unexpected and unpredictable result provides an anti-rackingsupport wall frame system 10 that keeps the support wall 60 square,without requiring heavier gauge studs to be employed.

In a non-limiting exemplary embodiment, the present disclosure overcomesthe need to provide reinforcement straps while providing higher shearresistance values. However, if desired, the reinforcement straps may beemployed if desired.

In a non-limiting exemplary embodiment, as perhaps best shown in FIGS.10 and 13-15A, the metal support wall frame system 10 includes at leastone end track (e.g., bottom end 34 and top end track 34 a), and a framemember 11 received within the at least one end track 34. The framemember 11 includes a plurality of ribs 30, 32 and a plurality ofstiffeners 28 spaced therefrom, respectively. The plurality of ribs 30,32 are statically affixed to the at least one end track 34, and theplurality of stiffeners 28 are abutted against the at least one endtrack 34. For example, as perhaps best shown in FIGS. 14 and 14 a,stiffeners 28 engage and extend between a bottom end track 34 and a topend track 34 a.

In a non-limiting exemplary embodiment, the frame member 11 has a singleand unitary metal body.

With reference to FIGS. 1-20A in general, in a non-limiting exemplaryembodiment, frame member 11 includes a stud 12 that has stud base 14that has a first stud side wall 16 extending upwardly from one end ofthe stud base 14 and a second stud side wall 18 extending upwardly froman opposing end of the stud base 14, the two side walls 16 and 18 beingcoextensive and parallel with one another and being perpendicularlyoriented with respect to the stud base 14. A first return leg 20 extendsinwardly from the distal end of the first stud side wall 16 while asecond return leg 22 extends inwardly from the distal end of the secondstud side wall 18. The first return leg 20 and the second return leg 22are each substantially similar in length are perpendicularly orientedwith respect to their respective side wall 16 and 18, and aresubstantially parallel with the stud base 14.

In a non-limiting exemplary embodiment, an optional first flange 24extends downwardly from the end of the first return leg 20 while anoptional second flange 26 extends downwardly from the end of the secondreturn leg 22. The first flange 24 and the second flange 26 are eachsubstantially similar in length are perpendicularly oriented withrespect to their respective return leg 20 and 22, and are substantiallyparallel with the first stud side wall 16 and the second stud side wall18.

In a non-limiting exemplary embodiment, a pair of stiffeners 28 islocated along the stud base 14 in spaced apart fashion, each stiffenerbeing a generally V-shaped member that protrudes inwardly into the metalframe member 10 toward the first return leg 20 and the second return leg22. Although two stiffeners 28 are illustrated, the use of a singlestiffener or more than two stiffeners is also possible.

In a non-limiting exemplary embodiment, a first pair of inwardlydirected, generally U-shaped ribs 30 is located along the first studside wall 16 while a second pair of inwardly directed, generallyU-shaped ribs 32 is located along the second stud side wall 18.

In a non-limiting exemplary embodiment, the metal frame member 10 issubstantially symmetrical about a vertical axis that passes inperpendicular fashion, through the midpoint of the stud base 14.

Advantageously, the entire metal frame member 10 is formed from asingle, integral, and continuous sheet of metal, such aluminum, steel,and the like, and is formed into the particular geometry using anappropriate manufacturing technique (stamping, extrusion, roll forming,etc.). The size of a particular metal frame member 10, including thelength, width, depth and gauge of metal used is dependent on the job athand is engineered accordingly. For example, FIG. 9 is a top plan viewof a metal frame member 11 having ribs 30, 32 and stiffeners 28 spacedapart at alternate distances 77, 78 relative to the embodimentillustrated in FIG. 1, respectively, in accordance with a non-limitingexemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

Ideally, each corner of the stud 12 is radiused to help prevent cuttinginjuries to workers handling the stud 12 while the end of each flange 24and 26, if used, and if not, the end of each return leg 20 and 22 isappropriately finished, again to help prevent cutting injuries toworkers handling the stud 12.

In a non-limiting exemplary embodiment, an end track 34 is provided. Theend track 34 is a typical end track used in metal stick frameconstruction, modified to utilize the features of the stud 12.Specially, the end track 34 has a track base member 36 from which afirst track side wall 38 and a second track side wall 40 each extendupwardly from either end of the base member 36 a small distance. Thefirst track side wall 38 and a second track side wall 40 are eachcoextensive and parallel with one another are each oriented inperpendicular fashion relative to the track base 36. The distancebetween the inside surface of the first track side wall 38 and theinside surface of the second track side wall 40 is substantially similarto the distance between the outside surface of the first stud side wall16 and the outside surface of the second stud side wall 18.

In a non-limiting exemplary embodiment, a series of first inwardlydirected detent pairs 42 is located along the first track side wall 38while a series of second inwardly directed detent pairs 44 is locatedalong the second track side wall 40. Each first detent pair 42 islocated directly across from a respective one of the second detent pairs44. The spacing between each first detent pair 42, and thus the seconddetent pair 44, is based on the particular frame being built such as 18inches spacing for 18 inches on center stud construction as is known inthe art.

With reference to FIGS. 1-20A in general, in a non-limiting exemplaryembodiment, the at least one end track 34 has additional juxtaposeddetents 70 continuously extended along both side walls 38, 40 and base36. Thus, each metal frame member 11 could include corresponding ribs30, 32 and stiffeners 28 that interconnect within such detents 70 alongboth side walls 38, 40 and base 36 of the end track 34. It is noted thatalthough such detents 70 are shown as having a generally single concavecross-section, the cross-section of such detents 70 can vary and willmatch the profile of the bottom and top ends of stud 12 so that theycomplement each other and provide a secure interconnection (e.g.,corresponding tongue/groove or male/female configuration). Such detents70 continuously extend across base 36 thereby providing additionalbalance and distribution of material without over stretching. Such aconfiguration increases the strength and maximum axial force withoutallowing the stud 12 to twist. Optionally, one or more detents 70traveling across base 36 may be employed.

In order to install a stud 12 within the end track 34, an end of thestud 12 is placed into the end track 34 to that each first rib 30receives a respective one of the first detents 42 of the end track 34and each second rib 32 receives a respective one of the second detents44 of the end track 34. As the width of the stud 12 (distance betweenouter surface of first longitudinal wall 16 and the outer surface of thesecond longitudinal wall 18) is substantially similar to the insidediameter (distance between the inner surface of the first track sidewall 38 and the inner surface of the second track side wall 40), thestud 12 is generally friction held in place. The first detents 42received within the first ribs 30 and the second detents 44 receivedwithin the second ribs 32 help lock the stud 12 in place within the endtrack 34.

Appropriate fasteners 76 are passed through each first rib-first detentpair and through each second rib-second detent pair to firmly attach thestud 12 to the end track 34. The fasteners 76 can be self-tapping oropenings 48 can be pre-punched within each first rib 30 and each secondrib as well as within each first detent 42 and each second detent 44.The rib-detent combination is dimensioned so that the installed fastener46 is at best flush with the outer surface of the end track 34 (orcountersunk as illustrated) for each of attaching appropriate sheathingto either side of the frame built. The detent-rib locking helps preventstud 12 twisting within the end track 34, which tends to occur inconventional systems, especially after one side of the stud 12 isfastened to the end track 34. Each stud 12 is fastened to an end track34 on either end of the stud 12.

While non-limiting exemplary embodiment(s) has/have been described withrespect to certain specific embodiment(s), it will be appreciated thatmany modifications and changes may be made by those of ordinary skill inthe relevant art(s) without departing from the true spirit and scope ofthe present disclosure. It is intended, therefore, by the appendedclaims to cover all such modifications and changes that fall within thetrue spirit and scope of the present disclosure. In particular, withrespect to the above description, it is to be realized that the optimumdimensional relationships for the parts of the non-limiting exemplaryembodiment(s) may include variations in size, materials, shape, form,function and manner of operation.

The Abstract of the Disclosure is provided to comply with 37 C.F.R. §1.72(b) and is submitted with the understanding that it will not be usedto interpret or limit the scope or meaning of the claims. In addition,in the above Detailed Description, various features may have beengrouped together or described in a single embodiment for the purpose ofstreamlining the disclosure. This disclosure is not to be interpreted asreflecting an intention that the claimed embodiment(s) require morefeatures than are expressly recited in each claim. Rather, as thefollowing claims reflect, inventive subject matter may be directed toless than all of the features of any of the disclosed non-limitingexemplary embodiment(s). Thus, the following claims are incorporatedinto the Detailed Description, with each claim standing on its own asdefining separately claimed subject matter.

The above disclosed subject matter is to be considered illustrative, andnot restrictive, and the appended claims are intended to cover all suchmodifications, enhancements, and other embodiment(s) which fall withinthe true spirit and scope of the present disclosure. Thus, to themaximum extent allowed by law, the scope of the present disclosure is tobe determined by the broadest permissible interpretation of thefollowing claims and their equivalents, and shall not be restricted orlimited by the above detailed description.

What is claimed as new and what is desired to secure by Letters Patentof the United States is:
 1. A support wall frame system for providingincreased shear strength thereby preventing twisting and racking of asupport wall, said support wall frame system comprising: at least oneend track; and a frame member received within said at least one endtrack, said frame member having a centrally registered longitudinal axisand including at least one rib extended parallel to the centrallyregistered longitudinal axis; wherein said at least one rib isstatically affixed to said at least one end track.
 2. The support wallframe system of claim 1, wherein said frame member comprises: anelongate stud having a stud base with a first stud side wall extendingupwardly from a first end of said stud base and a second stud side wallextending upwardly from an opposing second end of said base, said firststud side wall and said second stud side wall being coextensive andparallel with each other and each being oriented in perpendicularfashion with respect to said stud base.
 3. The support wall frame systemof claim 2, wherein said at least one rib comprises: an inwardlydirected first rib located along an entire first length of said firststud side wall; an inwardly directed second rib located along an entiresecond length of said second stud side wall; and a stud baseintercalated between said first stud side wall and said second stud sidewall, said stud base being directly connected to said first stud sidewall and said second stud side wall; wherein said stud base is adaptedto be received within said at least one end track such that said stud isdisposed between said first track side wall and said second track sidewall and such that said first detent is received within said first riband said second detent is received within said second rib.
 4. Thesupport wall frame system of claim 3, wherein said at least one endtrack comprises: a bottom end track and a top end track spacedtherefrom, each said bottom end track and said top end track including atrack base having a first track side wall extending upwardly from afirst longitudinal edge of said track base and a second track side wallextending upwardly from a second longitudinal edge of said track base,said first track side wall having an inwardly directed first detent andsaid second track side wall having an inwardly directed second detent;wherein each of said first detent and said second detent is extendedalong a major longitudinal height of said first track side wall and saidsecond track side wall, respectively.
 5. The support wall frame systemof claim 4, wherein said at least one end track further comprises: aninwardly directed third detent extended along a major latitudinal widthof said track base, wherein said inwardly directed third detent isregistered orthogonal to said inwardly directed first detent and saidinwardly directed second detent.
 6. The support wall frame system ofclaim 4, wherein said frame member has a single and unitary metal body.7. The support wall frame system of claim 5, wherein said frame memberfurther comprises: a first return leg extending inwardly from a firstdistal end of said first stud side wall; a second return leg extendinginwardly from a second distal end of said second stud side wall; andwherein said first return leg and said second return leg aresubstantially similar in length to one another, are each oriented inperpendicular fashion with respect to said first stud side wall and saidsecond stud side wall and are each oriented in parallel fashion withrespect to said stud base.
 8. The support wall frame system of claim 6,wherein said frame member further comprises: a first flange extendingdownwardly from a third distal end of said first return leg; a secondflange extending downwardly from a fourth distal end of said secondreturn leg; and wherein said first flange and said second flange aresubstantially similar in length to one another, are each oriented inperpendicular fashion with respect to said first return leg and saidsecond return leg and are each oriented in parallel fashion with respectto said first stud side wall and said second stud side wall.
 9. Thesupport wall frame system of claim 7, wherein said frame member furthercomprises: at least one inwardly directly stiffener juxtaposed along alongitudinal length of said stud base, wherein axially opposed ends ofsaid at least one inwardly directed stiffener is directly abuttedagainst said at least one end track.
 10. The support wall frame systemof claim 8, wherein said stiffener is generally V-shaped.
 11. Thesupport wall frame system of claim 9, wherein said first rib and saidsecond rib are each generally U-shaped.
 12. The support wall framesystem of claim 10, wherein said stud base, said first stud side wall,and said second stud side wall are each integral with one another, beingformed from a single and continuous sheet or section of material. 13.The support wall frame system of claim 11, wherein said frame memberfurther comprises: a first return leg extending inwardly from a firstdistal end of said first stud side wall; a second return leg extendinginwardly from a second distal end of said second stud side wall; andwherein said first return leg and said second return leg aresubstantially similar in length to one another, are each oriented inperpendicular fashion with respect to said first stud side wall and saidsecond stud side wall and are each oriented in parallel fashion withrespect to said stud base.
 14. The support wall frame system of claim12, wherein said frame member further comprises: a first flangeextending downwardly from a third distal end of said first return leg; asecond flange extending downwardly from a fourth distal end of saidsecond return leg; and wherein said first flange and said second flangeare substantially similar in length to one another, are each oriented inperpendicular fashion with respect to said first return leg and saidsecond return leg and are each oriented in parallel fashion with respectto said first stud side wall and said second stud side wall.
 15. Thesupport wall frame system of claim 13, wherein said frame member furthercomprises: an inwardly directed stiffener located along a third lengthof said base.
 16. The support wall frame system of claim 15, whereinsaid first rib and said second rib are each generally U-shaped.
 17. Thesupport wall frame system of claim 16, wherein said stud base, saidfirst stud side wall, and said second stud are each integral with oneanother, being formed from a single sheet or section of material. 18.The support wall frame system of claim 2, wherein said stud has a widthwith a first dimension and said at least one end track has an insidediameter with a second dimension that is substantially similar to saidfirst dimension.
 19. A support wall frame system for providing increasedshear strength thereby preventing twisting and racking of a supportwall, said support wall frame system comprising: at least one end trackhaving a first centrally registered longitudinal axis and a plurality ofplanar side walls contiguously configured to have a substantiallyU-shaped cross-section, said at least one end track including at leastone linear detent extended along a major length of said at least one ofsaid planar side walls; and a frame member received within said at leastone end track, said frame member having a second centrally registeredlongitudinal axis and including at least one rib extended parallel tothe second centrally registered longitudinal axis, wherein said at leastone rib is statically interfitted with said at least one detent andextended along the major length of said at least one of said planar sidewalls.
 20. The support wall frame system of claim 19, wherein said atleast one end track comprises: a track base, a first longitudinal wall,and a second longitudinal wall extending vertically upward from saidtrack base, each of said first longitudinal wall and said secondlongitudinal wall having a top edge and a bottom edge opposed therefrom,wherein said at least one detent is contiguously positioned with saidtop edge and spaced from said bottom edge.